Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

It is important for children, young adults, working people and the retired to have at least one hobby.

What's your opinion about this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

It is often argued that everyone, regardless of age or occupation, should have at least one hobby. I strongly agree with this view because hobbies provide people with an effective way to maintain their mental and physical well-being, while also allowing them to develop valuable skills and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

For children and young adults, having a hobby can play a particularly important role in their development. Activities such as playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, painting or reading can help young people discover their interests and develop discipline. Unlike academic study, which is often compulsory, hobbies allow children to learn through enjoyment and personal choice. For example, a child who regularly plays football may not only become physically fitter but also learn important qualities such as teamwork, perseverance and leadership. Similarly, a teenager who learns to play the guitar may develop greater creativity and self-confidence.

Hobbies are equally valuable for working adults, who often experience considerable pressure as a result of professional responsibilities. Spending time on an enjoyable activity can provide a necessary break from work and reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, hobbies can prevent people's lives from becoming entirely centred around their careers. Someone who spends their weekends gardening, cycling or cooking, for instance, can return to work feeling more relaxed and mentally refreshed. In some cases, hobbies can even lead to new professional opportunities. A person who enjoys photography as a pastime might eventually develop this skill into a freelance career or a small business.

For retired people, hobbies can be especially beneficial because retirement often brings a significant change in daily routine. Without the structure and social interaction provided by employment, some retirees may feel isolated or lose a sense of purpose. Pursuing hobbies such as gardening, travelling, volunteering or joining a book club can help them remain active and socially connected. For instance, a retired teacher who joins a local reading group can continue sharing knowledge and forming meaningful relationships, which may contribute greatly to their overall quality of life.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that having a hobby is beneficial at every stage of life. While the particular activity may vary according to a person's age and circumstances, hobbies can promote physical and psychological well-being, encourage personal development and provide a healthy sense of fulfilment. Therefore, people should make a conscious effort to devote some of their free time to activities they genuinely enjoy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed, providing specific examples for each demographic mentioned: children, working adults, and the retired. The ideas are extended logically, showing a clear understanding of the benefits of hobbies across different life stages. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments without simply repeating them. You have successfully met the requirements of the task by providing a well-supported opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression from one group to the next is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Similarly', 'Moreover', and 'In some cases', which help to link your arguments naturally. Paragraphing is used skilfully to separate the distinct groups discussed. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is highly coherent, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide and precise range of vocabulary throughout the response. Phrases such as 'professional responsibilities', 'mentally refreshed', 'significant change in daily routine', and 'meaningful relationships' demonstrate a sophisticated control of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contextually appropriate, contributing to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and you have successfully integrated less common lexical items to enhance the quality of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentence forms, such as conditional structures and relative clauses, without error. For example, 'A person who enjoys photography as a pastime might eventually develop this skill...' is a well-constructed complex sentence. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of control over English grammar.

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